Pics Of The Day #2603

Saugatuck River by day, from the Riverwalk … (Photo/Loretta Hallock)

… and at night, from Riverside Park (Photo/Cohl Katz)

Roundup: Scholar-Athletes, Brendan Donohoe, Patty Haberstroh …

39 Staples High School scholar-athletes were honored last night, at a unique dinner.

The coach of each varsity sport nominates one candidate, for his or her combined academic and athletic achievements. Each is given one question to answer on the spot, involving their interests, activities and passions.

Topics last night included flying as a solo pilot at age 16, overcoming a gymnastics neck injury to compete again, and experiences in clubs like Girls Who Code, Females in Finance, and AWARE.

Congratulations to all the scholar-athletes:

Fall sports: Charlotte Moody (fall cheerleading), Ben Lorenz (boys cross country), Emma Morris (girls cross country), Kathryn Asiel (field hockey), Troy Toglia(football), Jeremy Rosenkranz (boys golf), Avery Mueller (boys soccer), Coco Crombie (girls soccer), Libby  Turner (girls swimming), Isabella Rivel (girls volleyball), Ronan Waddhwani (boys water polo).

Winter sports: Nick Sikorski (boys basketball), Maya Brody (girls basketball), (Scarlett Siegel), Dagny Dahl (cheerleading), Victoria Fidalgo Schiopp (gymnastics), Jameson Russell  (boys ice hockey), Maya Sherman (girls ice hockey),Michael Bernier (boys indoor track), Leigh Foran (girls indoor track),  Henry Manning (boys skiing), Alannah Morris (girls skiing), Niclas Fabian (boys squash), Annika Reddy (girls squash), Andrew Berkowitz (boys swimming), Aiden Schachter  (wrestling).

Spring sports: Luke Oakley (baseball), Erin Oldale (girls golf), Ryan Skolnick (boys lacrosse), Caroline Cooper (girls lacrosse), Kellen Archibald (boys rugby), Katelyn Bouchard (girls rugby), Caitlyn Schwartz (sailing), Carley McGarry (softball), Jared Even (boys tennis), Sarah Marron (girls tennis), Luke Rabacs (boys outdoor track), Valentina Davis (girls outdoor track), Mason Siskind (boys volleyball), Kira Tomoda (girls water polo).

In addition, Staples athletic director VJ cited 2 coaches for career victory milestones: Laddie Lawrence (track, 2,000) and Jack McFarland (baseball, 300).

Sarullo also presented Bud Titsworth with a Block “S” award, for his longtime service to Staples athletics.

Bud Titsworth (left) and Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo, at last night’s Scholar-Athlete dinner. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)

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Brendan Donohoe — known to many generations of Westporters as a friendly, knowledgeable and passionate maître d’ at several local restaurants, most notably his decades at Chez Pierre (now Nômade) — died suddenly on Thursday.

He was 88, and lived in Wilton.

The Newry, Ireland native joined the Merchant Marines as a young man, and traveled the world. He often recounted adventures from those days.

Brendan immigrated to the US in the 1960’s. He settled in Westport, and began his restaurant career.

He was a lifelong history enthusiast, especially that of Ireland and the Celtic tribes. He followed political and financial news, and was an officer and investor in several gold mining firms.

His rituals included breakfast daily with friends at Orem Diner, and a weekly lunch at the Sherwood Diner. He attended mass every Sunday.

Brendan was an avid runner. He completed over 30 marathons throughout the United States.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Butler; siblings Marie, Veronica, Kevin and Dermot; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Gigi. He was predeceased by his sister, Shelia Barr.

Visiting hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home, Westport on Wednesday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m.  A Memorial Mass is set for at Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton on Thursday (June 6, 10 a.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima. 

Brendan Donohoe

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Yesterday, Major League Baseball celebrated its 4th annual Lou Gehrig Day.

The event — a joint effort of all 30 clubs, along with broadcast partners, and digital and social media — raises both awareness of ALS, and funds for research.

Also is also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. MLB remembered the New York Yankees hero, and all who have been lost to the disease.

MLB’s strong advocacy for the project is due in large part to Chuck Haberstroh. The former Staples High School basketball star — whose mother Patty, a beloved Westporter who touched many lives through her work with the Department of Human Services, and who was afflicted with ALS — c0-chaired a committee that developed the league’s several initiatives.

MLB honored Patty Haberstroh yesterday, in their publicity for Lou Gehrig day.

PS: A special fundraising auction is underway now, through June 12. Click here for items, and to bid.

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If you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.

It’s Sunday, June 9 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall).

The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.

Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.

Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.

The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.

The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.

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Temple Israel found a unique way to celebrate Pride yesterday.

Members baked rainbow challah, then handed them out at Jesup Green.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

Meanwhile, here’s another great shot from yesterday. Their t-shirts and smiles say it all:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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The future of pedestrian safety may be seen on Myrtle Avenue.

There — at Evergreen Avenue — pushing a button lights up the crosswalk.

It’s a bright, startling sight for drivers. They immediately slow down.

I’m not sure why this hasn’t gotten more publicity. But it seems like a relatively inexpensive, high-return solution to one of Westport’s biggest concerns.

This photo does not do justice to the crosswalk lights. (Hat tip and photo/Carl Addison Swanson and Jo Ann Miller)

This is a photo of lighted crosswalk (not in Westport). The “Xing” sign is also not in Westport.

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Staples High School’s senior prom was Saturday night, at the Greenwich Hyatt Regency. “06880” received this photo, of attendees at a pre-party:

(From left): Michael Belpedio, Nate Goodman, Lucas Fischel, Jack Marshall, Aidan Kogan.

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The next Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club meeting is June 27 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

Attendees will read 2 selections from Alice Munro’s “Runaway” collection. “Soon” and “Silence” are connected stories that relate different stages of a character’s life, and explore themes including relationships, family and loss.

Copies are available at the Westport Library. The Westport Book Shop has 1 copy, for borrowing.

Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141 or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.

Westport Book Shop, on Jesup Road.

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Alexanderina “Ina” Lozyniak of Westport died on Friday.

A native of Aberdeen, Scotland, she came to the US as a teenager. She was a long time Westport resident.

Ina was an active member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. She enjoyed bingo at the Senior Center, movies and having lunch with friends. Ina was an avid reader, and loved challenging word puzzles.

Ina was predeceased by her husband Steve in 1998. She is survived by her children Kenny, Robbie, Stephanie and Stephen; daughters-in-law Carrie, Laurie and Marcy; son-in-law Mike; granchildren Michelle (JR), Kim (Phil), Nicole (Bill), John (Nicole), Kenny (Dani), Courtney, Kristen, Helen, Alex, Lindsey, Stevie and Shane; 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are tomorrow (Tuesday, June 4, 5 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral service will be held Wednesday *June 5, 1 p.m., Saugatuck Church in Westport), with interment to follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.

Ina Lozyniak

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the Library Riverwalk.

But it’s a scene that’s repeated all around town, these late spring days:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Book Shop’s June selection (story above):

(As your hyper-local blog, “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

Ali Dorfman Is Your College Concierge

Thousands of brides-to-be (and grooms) have joined The Knot.

The one-stop wedding planning site is packed with information on everything nuptials-related: tips on how to plan a budget, send invitations and set up a registry; links to venues, caterers, photographers, DJs, officiants and transportation.

Of course, you can set up your own wedding website on The Knot too. It’s all very meta.

But what about something even more expensive than a wedding: college?

Sure, there are educational consultants, test prep companies and tutors — all with their own websites.

But so much more goes into college. Financial planning. Summer programs and internships. How to live with a roommate.

And of course, where to get the best swag for your school of choice.

Students — and their parents — must manage that on their own.

At least, they did.

Now there’s a “college concierge.” It’s a one-stop college shop — an academic version of The Knot.

And there’s a strong Westport connection.

Ali’s friend Robyn.

In 1989 — the summer before her senior year of high school — New Jersey student Ali Dorfman was in Israel. A close friend named Robyn was killed in an automobile accident. Devastated, Ali planted a tree there, in her memory.

Ali wrote movingly about that experience, in her college application essay.

Last December — after spending most of her career as a producer with CBS News, and owning a few small businesses — Ali was thinking about her next chapter.

With a freshman at Staples High School and a 7th grader at Coleytown Middle School, the topic of college was creeping up.

Ali — a storyteller at heart — thought she might make a good essay coach.

One day, she spotted a Facebook post from Robyn’s older sister Jill. It said “Your College Concierge.”

Ali and Jill had not spoken in decades. But as they chatted, Ali learned that she and her husband Peter live in Florida, where for 18 years they’ve owned a company by that name.  They helped thousands of students navigate the college admissions process.

Ali loved the word “concierge” — and saw an opportunity to expand what Jill and Peter had developed. There was nothing, they realized, like it anywhere.

In January they hired a web designer. Now they are relaunching YourCollegeConcierge.com as the go-to destination for all things college.

Ali Dorfman (2nd from left), with her husband Peter, and partners Jill and Peter Ratzan.

Their platform includes everything from service providers (admissions consultants, essay coaches, test prep companies, financial guidance) and shop owners (college gifts, swag, dorm décor) to lifestyle tips and tricks (how to eat healthfully, the best places to stay while visiting college campuses).

The goal is to be a nationwide site. But as Ali builds it out, there is a strong Westport presence.

Local service providers include Nicole Kelman’s New England Ed Consulting,  Tami Benanav’s Campus View Consulting, and essay coach Sara Robbin.

Expert advice comes from women’s health coach Andrea Robinson, digital influencer Dr. Tania Elliot, designer Jen Berniker, travel expert Jodi Gordon, and Safe Travels Med founder Dr. Deborah Mogelof.

Lauren Axelrod of Sweet and Accepted offers acceptance gifts.

Screenshot from Your College Concierge.

Your College Concierge charges businesses $99 to be listed. Users pay nothing.

“Knot” too shabby.

(Click here for the Your College Concierge website. Click here for their Facebook page. Their Instagram is @yourcollegeconcierge.)

(College is not cheap. And — even though we don’t charge — “06880” is not free either. We rely on reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

Pics Of The Day #2602

Old Mill, near the tidal gates

Sherwood Mill Pond, above and below

(Photos/Rowene Weems Photography)

Westport Shows Its Pride

Westport’s 4th annual Pride celebration brought a rainbow collection to Jesup Green.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and friends; children in strollers, and older folks with walkers; those of many faiths, and none, all came together for a festive — and occasionally reflective — afternoon.

Staples High School was in the house.

Vendors sold books and bracelets. The Democratic Town Committee gave away cookies; Temple Israel handed out rainbow challah.

Speakers spoke. Musicians made music. Clergy offered prayers.

State treasurer Erick Russell (far left) — a member of the LGBTQ community — spoke about the importance of the day for young people. He was joined by Joe Grabarz, Connecticut’s first openly gay legislator; State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, and State Senator Ceci Maher, of Westport Pride’s advisory committee.

And — whenever they could — friends and strangers smiled.

Broadway actor and 2008 Staples graduate Adam Kaplan (2nd from left) with his husband Ashley Day, and parents Carol and Jeff Kaplan.

Festive arch, by the Jesup Road rainbow crosswalk.

Inclusive books on sale

Westport Pride founder and president Bryan McGunagle, and Kayla Iannetta, advisor to Staples Pride.

Face painting: a popular attraction.

Temple Israel cantor Julia Cadrain.

Former Staples High School principal John Dodig (right), and his husband Rodger Leonard.

Dr. Nikki Gorman

Puppet on parade

Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk

(All photos/Dan Woog)

Photo Challenge #492

Last week’s Photo Challenge showed an interesting perspective of a well-known sight: Bedford Square.

Seth Braunstein’s image — taken from inside, looking out toward Church Lane — was recognized by Susan Iseman, Andrew Colabella, Sal Liccione, Matt Murray, Clark Thiemann, Michael Simso and Linda Vita Velez. (Click here to see.)

That challenge was fairly straightforward. This one should be fairly recognizable too.

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

Roundup: D-Day, Civil War, Staples Baseball …

Westport’s relationship with our sister city of Marigny-le-Louzon, France was forged in the aftermath of World War II.

But it began soon after D-Day in 1944. Westporter Bob Loomis — a gun sergeant — was in the Normandy town, just 25 miles from Utah Beach.

A couple of weeks later another Westporter — heavy machine gunner Clay Chalfant — moved through Marigny with his company on their way to Belgium.

When the war ended, Charlotte MacLear — head of the French department at Staples High School, and a graduate of prestigious Sorbonne Université — sparked a campaign to “officially adopt Marigny” and help its recovery.

Our town sent clothes, money and Christmas gifts, thanks to fundraising that included selling toys and buckets with designs painted by Westport artists.

In return, Marigny created the “Westport School Canteen,” and named the town’s largest square “Place Westport.” MacLear visited our sister town 3 times. Each time, she was honored and adored.

That friendship remains strong. In 2020, Marigny officials named a room in their Town Hall for MacLear.

This week, Westporters Jeffrey Mayer and Nancy Diamond are visiting, sending our greetings, and giving gifts from our town.

This morning — 4 days, before the anniversary of D-Day — René Gautier wrote to “06880.”

As a child, he received some of those presents from Westport. He has been stalwart in maintaining our friendship ever since. René said:

As part of the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the landing and the liberation of Normandy — but also for the future! — we would like to know, to honor their graves, if soldiers from Westport or the surrounding area were killed in the fighting of 1944 and buried in one of the US cemeteries in Normandy.

Our association will undertake to symbolically decorate this grave with flowers.

What a generous, beautiful offer.

If you know of any American soldiers from Fairfield County who are buried in a US cemetery in Normandy, email 06880blog@gmail.com.

We will let René, and all our friends in Marigny, know.

They will do the rest.

Marigny and Westport are united in red, white and blue.

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Here is another conflict: “Civil War.”

The film that debuted Number 1 at the box office last month follows 4 journalists on a road trip from New York to Washington, as society collapses.

Kirsten Dunst plays Lee, a photojournalist determined to interview the president in the midst of chaos.

How well — or poorly — does the movie depict wartime reporting?

Lynsey Addario knows. The 1991 Staples High School graduate, and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photojournalist, has covered the war in Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.

This week, “On the Media”‘s Brooke Gladstone interviews her about her real-life experiences, and the fictional “Civil War.” Click here to listen.

Lynsey Addario

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Kai Nee’s 15-strikeout, 2-hit, complete game pitching performance paced the Staples baseball team to a 7-0 shutout of Newtown yesterday, in the CIAC “LL” (extra large schools) state tournament quarterfinals.

The 19th-seeded Wreckers advance to Tuesday’s semifinal, at a site and time to be determined.

Their foe is familiar: Fairfield Warde. The Mustangs are ranked second in the state tourney.

(Collage courtesy of Staples baseball)

 

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An “06880” reader was intrigued — and perhaps bored — by the name of this business in Westfair Center, across from Stop & Shop:

It is pretty generic.

Kind of like calling a place “Food Restaurant.” Or “Book Store.”

Come to think of it, “Stop & Shop” isn’t that compelling a name either.

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And hey: Music & Arts is hardly a whiz-bang moniker.

For a few years, there’s been a Compo Shopping Center site for the franchise, which (surprise!) offers lessons, and sells and rents instruments.

Now they’ve closed. They’re referring customers to their Fairfield location. (Hat tip: MaryLou Roels)

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Meanwhile, Les Dinkin checks in with this photo that could be tongue-in-cheek.

Except it isn’t:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA does a lot of things right.

Including making feel-good videos.

Longtime Westporters Bob and Doree Levy are featured in a recent reel, explaining how much they enjoy the Wilton Road facility.

Doree does Aquafit. Bob helps out at a class for Parkinson’s patients. Together, they donated the “alligator” that spouts water at the kids’ splash pool.

The Y epitomizes the Three Musketeers’ motto: “All for one, one for all,” Bob says.

And, Doree adds — referring to the Y’s original acronym — “I’m not young. I’m not a man. I’m not Christian.”

But, she notes, today’s Westport YMCA is all about community and inclusion.

Click below for the video:

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Printmaking and a garden tour.

Those 2 activities seldom go together. But they’re the dual focus of a July 14 event.

From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. that day, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking and Blau House & Gardens sponsors “Printmaking in the Garden.”

Suitable for all levels and ages, it’s just $10. That includes a garden tour and materials.

Guests can collect botanical materials for a Gelli plate printmaking activity. Staff and volunteers with the Center will guide participants in creating artwork using leaves, petals, twigs and more from the inspiring landscape.

Click here to register, and for more information.

Printmaking at Blau Gardens.

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Summer means shopping — and theater.

From 1 to 5:30 p.m. on June 21 — the day after this year’s solstice — J. McLaughlin and the Westport Country Playhouse collaborate on an afternoon of sips and shopping.

15% of all sales will benefit the Playhouse.

Can’t make it that day to Compo Acres Shopping Center? Call the store (475-284-2495) to place an order.

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Pippa Bell Ader offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo. She writes:

The Old Hill albino deer was spotted recently on Wright Street. It has grown quite a bit since I last saw it.”

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

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And finally … Marvin Hamlisch was born on this date in 1944.

The composer/conductor he is one of few people ever to achieve an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony).

He died in 2012, age 68.

In addition to the 2 memorable songs below — from “The Sting” (starring Westporter Paul Newman) and “A Chorus Line” — he wrote the score to “The Swimmer,” the movie filmed largely in Westport in 1966.

(“06880” is one singular sensation. We entertain [and inform, and educate] our readers several times a day. But we need your help. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

Cool “06880” Contest: Win Cohl Katz!

Cohl Katz is a hair stylist and makeup artist to the stars.

Her client list runs, literally, from A (Al Green, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Arnold Schwarzenegger) to Z (Zelda Williams).

With Barbara Bush, Bob Dylan, Cal Ripken, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton, Hilary Swank, Jerry Seinfeld, John McEnroe, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Tyler Moore, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Ray Charles, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell, Sting and Tom Cruise in between.

Cohl Katz (right) with her client and friend, Katie Couric.

She’s also a Westporter. Cohl loves everything about our town: the beach, the arts, the vibe, this blog.

Now she wants to give something back, in a fun, “06880”-related way.

She’s offering her talents — a haircut and makeup application for women, a haircut and style for men — to 3 winners of a contest she and I cooked up.

Below are 3 trivia questions. Each one is about a famous Westport or Weston resident. All of them have been (of course!) Cohl’s clients.

Email your answers — to 1, 2 or all 3 — to 06880blog@gmail.com.

We’ll put all the names in a (stylish) hat, and pull 3 winners. (To clarify: If you answer 1 question correctly, your name will go in 1 time. Two correct answers means you’ll be in the hat twice; 3 = 3.)

The deadline is this Tuesday (June 4, 11:59 p.m.).

Let the games begin!

Question #1This former Westporter started out as a stockbroker. But that’s not where they gained the most fame.

Question #2: To prepare for his role as an emotionally destroyed soldier in a film that won him an Academy Award, this actor ate only bananas, water and rice for a month.

Question #3This musician has co-written 14 songs on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Cohl Katz with Tracy Morgan. If you are one of our 3 contest winners, you could sit in that chair soon.

Pic Of The Day #2601

Compo Beach evening (Photo/Pam Kesselman)

 

Roundup: Aquarion Water Tanks, Levitt Pavilion, Just Salad …

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority continues to hear testimony about Aquarion’s construction of 2 large water tanks on North Avenue, opposite Staples High School. They replaced 1 smaller one on the same site.

Marc Lemcke has fought the water company since the tanks were first proposed in 2017. On Thursday, he testified before PURA, on behalf of Smart Water Westport and a group of neighbors.

Lemcke described his group’s investigation into Aquarion’s actions. His 4 main points:

  • The Westport tanks were not needed, and Aquarion knew it.
  • The tanks are part of a $200 million project that was not needed. and Aquarion knew it.
  • The tanks are larger than authorized.
  • Aquarion tried to conceal certain facts.

Specifically, Lemcke said, Aquarion blocked the disclosure of public records; hid payments to their Westport town lawyer’s firm, which had a conflict of interest; concealed information about contamination; knew that tank screening was not possible; engaged in illegal marketing; failed to provide “critically important” reports; violated terms of length of construction, and built the tanks without a wetland permit.

The water utility’s “questionable conduct … has critical implications for future water management, and makes the case for even greater oversight going forward,” Lemcke told PURA.

A hearing on Tuesday (June 4, 10 a.m., Zoom) will be held, covering Aquarion’s permit conditions.

Click here for the full 53-page report of Lemcke’s testimony; then click “Attached correspondence” at the bottom.

Aquarion water tanks under construction, June 2022.

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The Levitt Pavilion’s 50th season features over 50 free shows. And they started yesterday.

Tonight (Saturday) at 7:30, Boston-based Couch entertains with pop, funk, rock, R&B and soul. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 7 p.m.), the Arun Ramamurthy Trio fuses South Indian classical Carnatic music and contemporary jazz. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.

For all free shows, all available and returned tickets are distributed at the box office, first-come, first-served, beginning 2 hours before show time.

And for all free shows, audience members are free to bring in outside food and drink.

For a highlight reel of last weekend’s ticketed opening — with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The United Nations, and Dogs in a Pile, click below.

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The start of June means summer — and summer reading.

The Westport Library has every reader, of every age, covered.

Whether it’s a book for vacation, at the beach or on your couch — or for your kids or grandchildren — read on.

The 8th annual Adult Summer Reading Challenge begins today. It runs through August 31.

The rules are the same as past challenges, this year with a fresh round of 25 categories (click here to see). You can do all or only one, or anything in between. Just have fun!

There are just 2 rules:

  1. Categories may only be fulfilled once.
  2. Each book can only be used for one category.

Once you read a book that fulfills a category, submit it via the form on the Library. Then track your progress on our leaderboard.

The leaderboard is also where you can see what everyone else is reading, and give your own recommendations. You can also join the Westport Reading Challenge Facebook Group, and talk smack — er, books — all summer long.

As for kids: Starting today, children can sign up for the Library’s Summer Reading Program. It wraps up September 2.

Youngsters can read anything. Any time. And anywhere, all summer long.

Register online and keep track of minutes read. For every 100 minutes, you can decorate a summer sun that will be displayed in the Library.

Earn a treat from Shake Shack at 500 minutes. When you reach 1,000 minutes, can choose a book to keep from the Library’s selection of titles.

For more summer fun and prizes, stop in the Children’s Library to play bingo and earn more free books.

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Speaking of the Library: Martha Hodes, professor of history at New York University, speaks about her latest book, “My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering,” on June 5.

It’s a memoir about the fallibilities of memory. In 1972 she and her 13-year-old sister were flying unaccompanied back to New York from Israel. Their plane was hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and forced to land in the Jordan desert.

Too young to understand the gravity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Martha coped by suppressing her fear. Nearly a half-century later, her memories of those 6 days and nights as a hostage were hazy and scattered. Was it the passage of so much time, or that her family couldn’t endure the full story, or had trauma made her repress the experience? A professional historian, Martha wanted to find out.

Drawing on archival research, childhood memories, and conversations with relatives, friends, and fellow hostages, she re-creates what happened to her. As the hostages forged friendships and provoked conflicts, the sisters learned about the lives and causes of their captors, pondering a deadly divide that continues today.

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Westport Police officers carried the Flame of Hope along the Post Road through town yesterday. The event — from the Norwalk line, to the Southport border — showed support for Special Olympics of Connecticut.

Amy Schneider was one of many drivers and passersby who slowed down and snapped photos, as the torch and flags went past.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Qdoba didn’t make it.

Neither, apparently, will Salsa Fresca.

The Connecticut Scoop reports that Just Salad will replace the Mexican grill “before the end of the year.”

There is already a Just Salad location in Greenwich. Another will open in Norwalk too.

Click here to learn more about Just Salad. Spoiler alert: The menu is more than just salad. (Hat tip: Neil Markman)

A guy with Just Salad.

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Mar Jennings’ marvelous Rosebrook Gardens is one of 7 selected for the Garden Conservancy’s Fairfield County Open day (June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

It features a garden studio, wisteria-covered wisteria, classic English Folly, and 2 parterre gardens surrounded by flowers anchored by boxwoods.

In the 1920s, the property served as the entire neighborhood’s vegetable garden.

Jennings purchased a then-new home in 1996. He transformed a once-vacant lot into his brand and business.

Tickets are $5 for Garden Conservancy members, $10 for non-members. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mar Jennings’ Rosebrook Gardens.

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Westport Pride’s Jesup Green celebration is tomorrow (Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.).

LGBTQ Pride Month continues June 16, when Saugatuck Congregational Church sponsors a Family Pride picnic and party (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

The event is open to all. It includes a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, hot dogs/veggie dogs, cake and more

For more information, call 203-227-1261 or email Rev. Kari Nicewander: kari@saugatuckchurch.org.

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Gail Cohen died yesterday, surrounded by her family.

Her family says, “she was passionate about her family, the theater and canasta. She battled her terrible disease valiantly and courageously for 9 months.

“Throughout her life she inspired those around her with her passion, empathy, zest for life, and devotion to the happiness of others. Gail always led with love. She was a force and advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves.”

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Eric; children Hayley, Zach and Sydney, grandson Cooper, mother Mimi and siblings Richard, Beth Steinberg Michael and Robin.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, June 2, 1 p.m., The Community Synagogue of Westport). Shiva will be at 32 Burnham Hill tomorrow from immediately after the burial until 8 p.m., and Monday, June (1 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Cohen Family Scholarship Fund at Cardozo Law School/Yeshiva University, or a charity of your choice.

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It’s been a while since we’ve featured a mighty oak in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

This mighty fine one towers over Nancy Axthelm’s back yard.

(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)

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And finally … in light of the many headlines over the past 2 days:

(Sure, it’s the weekend. But “06880” never rests. Our Roundup continues, 24/7/365. If you enjoy our ceaseless work, please click here support us. Thank you!)